Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) viruses. HSV-1, the main cause of the oral variety, shows symptoms in skin tissue in and around the mouth, and symptoms of HSV-2 appear in the genital region. Both forms of the virus are very contagious. It is estimated that at least 50% of the population has been exposed to it before reaching adulthood.
The virus is transmitted though contact with an infected person, though not necessarily through direct sexual contact. Any skin to skin or oral contact can transmit it. People who are infected should avoid touching their own skin lesions so that they do not spread the infection, and they should avoid skin-to-skin and sexual contact from the time when herpes simplex 1 symptoms appear until they have completely disappeared.
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